Reliance Jio Now Moves Competition Council Over Call Failure Issue

The complaint comes against the backdrop of a continuing fight between Jio and the incumbent telecom operators

(Photo: Reuters)

Escalating the fight, Reliance Jio Infocomm, which is now celebrating acquiring up to 50 Mn subscribers, has filed a complaint against some telecom operators with fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) alleging violation of competition norms.

Newcomer Reliance Jio, part of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance group, has been crossing swords with incumbent operators, including Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular over call connectivity issue.

Sources in the know said that Reliance Jio has filed complaint against some telecom operators with the CCI.

Also Read: Around 8.5 Crore Calls Failed on 7 November: Reliance Jio Data

The complaint was filed earlier this month for alleged violation of competition norms and CCI is yet to take a decision on it, sources said.

The complaint comes against the backdrop of a continuing fight between Reliance Jio and the incumbent telecom operators.

Sources said there is also a complaint that has been filed against Reliance Jio.

Queries sent to Reliance Jio did not elicit any response while message sent to CCI Chairman D K Sikri remained unanswered.

If CCI finds any prima-facie evidence of violation of competition regulations then the matter is referred for a detailed probe that would be done by its investigation arm – Director General.

Reliance Jio, which commercially launched its services on 5 September and offers free voice call, had accused incumbent players such as Airtel, Vodafone and Idea of not providing enough connectivity for completing calls even as the allegation has been vehemently denied by them.

Last month, telecom regulator Trai had recommended a total penalty of Rs 3,050 crore on Airtel, Vodafone and Idea for allegedly denying interconnectivity to Reliance Jio.